Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Heartworm Prevention

Everyone knows how annoying those relentless mosquitoes are when you are trying to enjoy your yard or back porch. But these pests are more than just irritating – they can endanger your pet’s health by transmitting heartworm disease.

Heartworm disease is a parasitic infection transmitted when an infected mosquito bites your dog or cat. Monthly heartworm prevention is essential year round for both dogs and cats, even indoor kitties. In colder climates you could potentially discontinue preventative for the winter months but DC is not that climate. How often in DC do we have a few days of 50-60 degree weather in January? Those mosquitoes, fleas and ticks are just waiting to emerge and attack our dogs and cats. At Friendship we recommend giving both heartworm prevention and flea/tick prevention year round.

Prevention is key for both cats and dogs. There is NO treatment for heartworm in cats, and sudden death is a common result of heartworm infections. While it’s true that infected dogs can be treated, the treatment itself is very dangerous—and can even be fatal. Left untreated, heartworm disease will kill a dog.

Luckily, prevention is easy: just a pill or topical medication once a month. If only everything were that simple.

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About Me

I am a veterinarian who works at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC.
I live in Northwest DC with my four dogs and three cats Poppy, Frank, Sparkle, Lilly, Furla, Vegas and Breaker. Needless to say with this crew there is never a dull moment in my house.
Working at Friendship is amazing and I cannot imagine practicing anywhere else. I hope you enjoy reading about what we do and all the ways you can give your pet the best possible care. I would be lost without the animals in my life; let me help you care for the pets in yours.